Robert J. Weinstock, MD and Neel R. Desai, MD are cataract, refractive and LASIK surgeons at The Weinstock Laser Eye Center, in affiliation with The Eye Institute of West Florida, a premier eye care center that has been serving the needs of the Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater communities for over 40 years. Both surgeons are fellowship-trained and considered experts in laser vision correction.

Voted one of the “Best Doctors in Tampa Bay,” Dr. Weinstock has performed thousands of LASIK procedures, helping many patients over the years gain clearer sight with this life-changing surgery. Dr. Weinstock is the go-to LASIK surgeon for the Tampa Bay Bucs. Dr. Weinstock and Dr. Desai are members of the American-European Congress of Ophthalmic Surgery, an innovative group of physicians working toward advancements in LASIK and other forms of eye surgery. Both doctors take a personalized approach to LASIK surgery, ensuring that each patient receives the best visual outcome possible from surgery. Most patients enjoy 20/20 vision following LASIK, allowing them to see clearly without glasses or contact lenses, often for the first time in their life!

In addition to LASIK surgery, the surgeons at The Eye Institute of West Florida also perform laser cataract surgery, corneal and retinal treatments, glaucoma treatments and oculoplastic procedures, such as eyelid lifts. The Eye Institute offers everything from general eye exams to surgical procedures to correct diseases, all within one practice.

If you are in the St. Petersburg or Clearwater area and wish to schedule a complimentary LASIK evaluation with Dr. Weinstock or Dr. Desai, please contact The Weinstock Laser Eye Center by calling (727) 777-6693.

More about Bladeless LASIK Surgery at The Weinstock Laser Eye Center

The experienced refractive surgeons at The Weinstock Laser Eye Center and The Eye Institute of West Florida use the latest laser technology in their LASIK procedure, a surgery that allows patients to eliminate, or drastically reduce, their need to wear glasses or contacts to see clearly. The procedure is safe, painless and quick — usually lasting no longer than 20 minutes. A femtosecond laser is used to make a tiny incision in the cornea, which is the transparent layer of tissue on the eye’s front surface. From this incision, the surgeon creates a flap in the outer layer of the cornea through which they use an excimer laser to reshape underlying tissue (as refractive errors are caused by irregularly shaped corneas). Once this is done, there is no need for stitches, since the corneal incision naturally heals on its own. Patients typically don’t have to wait long to see results — and they often report an improvement in their vision just 24 hours after surgery. There is hardly any downtime either; patients typically return to work, driving and their normal daily routine the very next day!

Praise from Patients of The Weinstock Laser Eye Center and The Eye Institute of West Florida

“Dr. Weinstock, thanks for your precious gift you have given me: the gift of sight. You are a very special doctor giving your patients love and kindness and topping it off with beautiful clear vision. Doc, you have a very warm and comforting spirit and it makes us patients feel extremely comforting, knowing that we are in safe hands and all will be well. Also the best bedside manner and people skills.” — Cynthia

“The staff at the Largo Surgery Center were outstanding. They emit a love for what they do and you can feel it in the air. They care! The efficiency is incredible at both the St. Petersburg and Largo facilities! A well-oiled machine with feelings! The recovery went exactly at I was told and they took the time to check on me when I was at home after the procedure — they care! The medical staff and the office staff never rush you or make you feel like you are taking up too much of their time. I have and will continue to recommend The Eye Institute of West Florida to friends and family. Thank you all for the great care and concern.” — Irene

“I just wanted to say ‘thank you’ from the bottom of my heart for giving me back my sight. I can’t even describe what a luxury it is to be able to see clearly, which I haven’t done since 1991. Everyone involved in my care was absolutely wonderful from the moment I first walked into your office. Thank you again and I will definitely recommend you to anyone looking to have laser surgery.” — Jim

“Dr. Desai, your extra care, patience and understanding is greatly appreciated! Taking an integrative approach with medicine is a gift. Healing encompasses more than scientific support; it begins with the mind and spirit. I do believe your persona supports that aspect. Overall you display consideration for the individual’s concerns. Your ability to listen and respond effectively calms the spirit. I have learned over the years it takes more than being an expert to be exceptional. It is all about relationships. I thank you and your staff for such wonderful care!” — Caryl

More about the Doctors at The Weinstock Laser Eye Center and The Eye Institute of West Florida

Robert J. Weinstock, MD, is the Director of Cataract and Refractive Services at The Eye Institute of West Florida and The Weinstock Laser Eye Center. He received fellowship training in cataract and refractive surgery before going on to complete his residency at the St. Louis University School of Medicine. Dr. Weinstock is a board-certified ophthalmologist with certifications in both cataract and LASIK surgery. In addition to practicing eye surgery, he also holds a teaching position as Associate Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of South Florida. Dr. Weinstock also serves as the Surgical Director of the Largo Ambulatory Surgery Center. An experienced eye surgeon, Dr. Weinstock has performed thousands of laser eye surgeries, including cataract and LASIK procedures. He has received countless accolades throughout his career, including being named one of Premier Surgeon’s List of Leading Innovators and being listed as one of the “Best Doctors in Tampa Bay,” a designation given by both Tampa Bay Metro Magazine and Tampa Style Magazine. As a leader in his field, Dr. Weinstock has been asked to lecture both nationally and internationally, and has authored numerous book chapters and articles in peer-reviewed publications.

Neel R. Desai, MD, is an ophthalmologist specializing in LASIK, cataract and corneal disease treatment. He received his medical degree from the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine before completing a fellowship program in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery at the prestigious Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University. Respected by peers in his field, Dr. Desai is recognized both nationally and internationally as one of only 100 surgeons in the world who has performed advanced corneal transplants and other complex cataract, corneal and refractive procedures. Dr. Desai is the Co-Medical Director of Lions Eye Institute for Transplant and Research and is on the editorial board of EyeWorld Magazine. He holds several pending patents on innovative surgical products and procedures for the advancement of corneal surgery, and received the Helma Award from the American Society of Corneal and Refractive Surgery for his research. Known as an expert in his field, Dr. Desai is the author of several book chapters and articles in peer-reviewed ophthalmological publications.